Guide to buying garden furniture
With the long-awaited summer on the horizon, dreams of sunny barbecues, late-night cocktails in the garden, and curling up with a book under the evening sky are about to become a reality. One of the best ways to prepare for the season is to create your own backyard paradise.
Follow our guide, complete with expert advice, to ensure you opt for nothing less than long-lasting luxury.
Upholstered garden furniture
Ah, perhaps the greatest (and certainly most comfortable) invention in the outdoor world: indoor furniture that can withstand the challenges of the outdoors and look good doing it. Undoubtedly the garden furniture of choice for those who want to bring the inside outside, upholstered outdoor furniture offers all the classic upholstery forms and techniques, from button tufting to piping.
Benefits: The two key benefits claimed by lovers of upholstered garden furniture are, of course, comfort and style. If you want to lounge in as much comfort and luxury outdoors as you do indoors, there's nothing that can beat outdoor upholstery. Complete the look and create an outdoor space worthy of a living room with the addition of outdoor cushions and rugs.
Cons: Although no effort is spared to create the most durable pieces possible, outdoor upholstery, like indoor upholstery, will not have the same staying power as wood, rattan, or metal outdoor furniture. These are definitely pieces you'll want to purchase all-weather protective covers for.
Metal garden furniture
Metal outdoor furniture may have a classic aesthetic, but it's also perfect for channeling an industrial-chic vibe. There are endless colors and finishes available, and its malleable nature means it can take on a variety of shapes, from traditional dining chairs to minimalist tables.
Benefits: Extreme strength and durability, essential tools for surviving the elements, must be the best features of metal. Thanks to their versatile nature, ornate scrollwork wrought iron designs have the power to cut a slender figure, but are incredibly sturdy at the same time and won't blow away in the wind. Aluminum designs are excellent lightweight options; Look for powder-coated designs to prevent corrosion.
Cons: Metal furniture can be cold and uncomfortable, however, this is nothing a sumptuous outdoor seating pad can't fix. They can also come in cheaper varieties that won't wear as well.
“Don't underestimate Mother Nature,” advises Laura. “Many cheap metals rust very quickly, fading and becoming brittle in sunlight or on cold, dewy nights.” Consider only metal furniture that has a warranty and has been treated with care.
Wooden garden furniture
With its rich color and unique grain, wooden furniture boasts natural beauty. The material has stood the test of time in the furniture industry for a reason, as it has the ability to look relaxed yet refined, as well as traditional and contemporary.
Benefits: Dense woods are used for garden furniture due to their natural resistance against the rigors of outdoor use. There is a wide range to choose from, including eucalyptus, cedar and redwood. Our favorite is teak, the Rolls Royce of hardwoods. Its tight grain and high natural oil content provide a lustrous honey brown hue and extreme resistance to decay and water.
Disadvantages: All woods are susceptible to warping, rot, and fungal infections, and less water-resistant woods can also shrink or swell over time. After years of exposure to the elements, teak will naturally weather to a silvery gray patina. This aged look is a plus for some people, but if you prefer its fresh look, you can treat tropical hardwood with a protectant to maintain its color. Applying oils and sealants is a simple way to increase the look and life of all wood furniture.
Rattan garden furniture
Rattan furniture was originally created from woven palms, but today weather-resistant synthetic substitutes are used. Resin-woven or rattan-effect designs celebrate casual beauty, making them perfect seating solutions for relaxation, and thanks to their synthetic nature, they come in a wide range of color options.
Benefits: The advantage of rattan effect furniture is that it offers a natural finish and is specifically developed for outdoor use. Woven resin is insensitive to temperature changes, promises not to crack or erode over time, and requires extremely low maintenance. It's also lightweight, allowing you to experiment and change your garden design with ease.
Cons: Rattan designs often run with boxy silhouettes, which means they can be difficult to store during colder months and need a lot of foot room. All-weather protective covers are an investment worth making if you don't have storage space.
Rope garden furniture
Outdoor rope furniture is created using reinforced rope or rope tape over a durable metal frame. Weave patterns or rope appliqué are often used to create visual interest, perhaps with a twisted element, open patchwork weave, or tight braiding, as well as structural integrity. The upholstered seat or back cushions are designed, separate or integrated into the piece, to provide greater comfort.
Benefits: Relatively lightweight but a little cozier and more comfortable than metal designs, outdoor rope furniture feels warm and rustic and enjoys an intriguing texture quality. It's a good middle ground between incredibly modern garden furniture and more transitional upholstered pieces.
Disadvantages: Due to its network of strands, rope patio furniture may not be the best choice for homes with small children or pets with small arms and legs that can become tangled too easily.
Additional Outdoor Furniture Tips
Proportion is everything. It's important to measure your space and take note of the size of dining tables, chairs and loungers to ensure they fit perfectly.